Pony Express Trail Ride:
- Since 1994, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse has hosted a trail ride over a Pony Express route between historic White Oaks and Lincoln, New Mexico. Here, riders leave at the break of dawn.
- Photo By Patti Gray
Since 1994, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse has hosted a trail ride over a Pony Express route between historic White Oaks and Lincoln, New Mexico. This ride is a yearly tradition for trail riders in the Southwest.
On the first full weekend in August 2009, the U.S. Mail was again carried by horseback along the Pony Express Trail Route. Organizers prepared envelopes and stationery with the unique cancellation stamp, Pony Express artwork reproduction, a flyer, and Western-themed stamps. Riders could send these letters, carried in mailbags, to friends and family.
We gathered with our horses, rigs, family, and friends in the old mining town of White Oaks. We had about 70 to 75 riders, including wranglers. We were greeted by posse member Lauri Bass and given welcome packages.
Around 6 p.m., we were served a delicious dinner at the No Scum Allowed Saloon by the famous Bowen Ranch Chuck Wagon Team. Dinner was followed by singing and dancing. The Bowen’s also prepared our breakfast Friday morning.
Our ride would take us through the Lincoln County National Forest, Bureau of Land Management land, open ranches, mountains, and rangelands. Each day, the posse would move our rigs into camp,
Then & Now:
The first day, we rode through rolling landscape and thick forest. Sometimes it seemed like rocks under our horse’s feet would never end, only to be replaced with soft meadow a few miles later.
The weather was perfect. We needed sunscreen and hats during the day. Evenings were cool as soon as the sun went down. But we didn’t have the afternoon monsoon rains typical of this time of year.
Winding through the forest, we were surprised by skeletons of unfortunate ones hanging in trees. You can imagine how torturous this ride could have been for the early riders. Places to be ambushed are possible everywhere. The hazards back then were outlaws, Apaches, and the elements. To make it, you had to be a marksman and expert rider, and have a good horse.
But these days, rides are pleasant. We kept a steady pace, rested often, and had a relaxing lunch prepared by the Posse chuck wagon team. We enjoyed the beauty of the prairies and meadows, as well as stunning sunrises and sunsets.
You better be ready to be in the saddle — we rode 18 miles the first day (40 miles over three days)! The first day, we rode over in the foothills of the El Capitan Mountains. This was the home of the little bear that survived a forest fire and was aptly named Smokey Bear. At camp, dinner was waiting for us, and were we ever hungry!
After a fine grilled meal, evenings were spent around a campfire. We were entertained by fellow riders and local musicians with song, stories, and humor.
Incredible Beauty
The next day, we had a choice of taking a shorter ride or going the traditional longer route. I went with the traditional route; it’s so pretty, and I love this landscape. We had another day of perfect weather. Everyone was mesmerized by the incredible beauty of the land.
We went through valleys and rode up on knolls, which provided panoramic visuals of four mountain ranges: the El Capitans, the Sierra Blanca and the Carrizozo Mountains near White Oaks, and the BLM peaks near Lincoln.
The next day, we had a choice of taking a shorter ride or going the traditional longer route. I went with the traditional route; it’s so pretty, and I love this landscape. We had another day of perfect weather. Everyone was mesmerized by the incredible beauty of the land.
We went through valleys and rode up on knolls, which provided panoramic visuals of four mountain ranges: the El Capitans, the Sierra Blanca and the Carrizozo Mountains near White Oaks, and the BLM peaks near Lincoln.
The afternoon was free for everyone to rest, get a massage, shower, or go for a short tour close by. The Posse chefs were preparing a feast for us and musicians were tuning up their guitars for some good music during dinner.
The Sheriff Posse president, David Milchen, thanked all the participants for riding in this year’s ride. Then the musicians sang their hearts out. The sunset was our backdrop to a beautiful day.
Historic Parade
Sunday morning, we began riding just at the crack of dawn. Again we had a beautiful ride. A mountain range surrounds the west side of Lincoln with a winding valley of lush, green meadows. We marveled at the high rock ledges towering above us.
Sunday morning, we began riding just at the crack of dawn. Again we had a beautiful ride. A mountain range surrounds the west side of Lincoln with a winding valley of lush, green meadows. We marveled at the high rock ledges towering above us.
I always look for mountain lions on the ledges, but one will rarely see one of these cats. If you think you see one and blink, it’ll be gone.
This ride lasted about three hours. This was a nonstop ride except to water the horses. Riders also had the option of
trailering their rigs to nearby Lincoln.
This ride lasted about three hours. This was a nonstop ride except to water the horses. Riders also had the option of
trailering their rigs to nearby Lincoln.
Anticipation grew as everyone imagined what the little town of Lincoln would be like. We weren’t disappointed. Lincoln was rapidly populating for the Annual Lincoln Days Parade and the Billy The Kid Pageant later in the afternoon.
We rode down the main street to the parade-preparation grounds. Later, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse was awarded first place in the parade for its equestrian riders.
Tips;
Hunting-Season Safety Guide:
ByAsad khan
Fall trail riding can involve crisp weather and beautiful foliage, but safety must come first. Follow these hunting season guidelines to stay safe on the trail this fall.
Contemplation of such a scene keeps me going during bitter winter and summer doldrums. Hunters in other parts of the country are similarly drawn, whether to crisp corn fields laden with pheasants, red maple groves holding deer, or deep southern woods, now finally free of summer's oppressive heat and humidity.
These same fall conditions draw those of us who ride for pure pleasure. There's nothing quite like a trail ride through autumn trees, the smell of fresh air and brilliant foliage, the enthusiasm of your good horse when there's a trace of bite in the breeze. Riding during this time of year is too fine to be avoided simply because it coincides with hunting season.
Ready to saddle up and enjoy this spectacular season? Follow these five guidelines to help keep you and your horse .
1. Wear Bright Colors
Insurance companies, expert at analyzing risk, rate hunting as an extremely safe activity. The accident ratio with regard to the number of participants is very low compared with other outdoor activities, including horseback riding.
Still, potential for accidents exists. Visibility is your first consideration. To stand out, wear bright colors. A blaze-orange hunting vest (available at sporting-goods stores) works well. Choose one with lots of handy pockets. Some hunting vests are reversible, so you can wear a softer color other times of the year. Insulated models are also available, should you wish to add warmth.
But festooning your own body with bright colors doesn't protect your horse if you tie him and slip away to take a photograph. Invest in brightly colored saddlebags and/or cantle bags. Also consider placing a blaze-orange nylon halter under his bridle.
If you must tie your horse and leave him, choose an open place, such as the middle of a clearing, for greater visibility.
2. Choose Your Route
Find trails in areas where hunters will be less concentrated. Contact your state fish and game department, and ask for maps of hunting areas, dates of hunting seasons, what's hunted, and whether the season is open to anyone licensed, or is restricted by drawings or special permits. Such information will help you decide which state or federal land remains attractive for trail riding while the season is in progress.
Find trails in areas where hunters will be less concentrated. Contact your state fish and game department, and ask for maps of hunting areas, dates of hunting seasons, what's hunted, and whether the season is open to anyone licensed, or is restricted by drawings or special permits. Such information will help you decide which state or federal land remains attractive for trail riding while the season is in progress.
In heavily populated states where hunting is popular and available habitat is scarce, hunting seasons are likely to be short and intense. Consider skipping opening day, especially if it falls on a weekend.
In Montana, where hunting seasons of one sort or another are in progress from early September until after Thanksgiving, most trail riders wouldn't consider putting their riding on hold that entire time. But in a populated eastern state where deer season lasts only a few days, postponing your ride until the end of the season may appeal to you.
The terrain and the species being hunted are factors, as well. Bird seasons mean that only shotguns with bird shot are in use, far less dangerous at long range than rifle fire.
And in the wide-open western terrain favored by antelope and mule deer, riders and hunters can usually see each other at long distances, a safety plus.
3. Train Your Horse
A hunting outfitter tells me that clients unfamiliar with horses often ask, "Can I shoot off this horse?"
A hunting outfitter tells me that clients unfamiliar with horses often ask, "Can I shoot off this horse?"
His answer: "Yeah - once." If the hunter misses the point, the outfitter quickly explains. "After you shoot, you're likely to be on the ground, flat on your back."
Very few horses can stand up to the report of a high-powered rifle shot over their heads. Indeed, the muzzle blast of such rifles can damage a horse's ears, even if he's rock-steady. No good hunter ever discharges a high-powered rifle from the back of a horse, for safety and humane considerations.
But when you trail ride during hunting season, you'll likely hear rifle reports. While it's asking a bit much of your horse to expect complete coolness near gunfire, you can teach him some tolerance for gun shots.
At home, fire a simple cap pistol, then reward your horse with a treat or a nice rub on the withers. Then progress to a starting pistol (used for starting races, available at sporting-goods stores), which is considerably louder.
Safety warning: Fire a starting pistol only into the air, not toward a horse or a human; fragments of the wad holding the powder can be dangerous. And the sting of a fragment accompanying the loud report would be a major setback in your horse's training.
A bullwhip is another good training tool, if you can handle one. Its crack can be varied in intensity. Once your horse will tolerate a full-volume crack from a rider on his back, gunfire won't be intimidating. But don't use a bullwhip unless you're fully competent. It's easy to inadvertently strike your horse or yourself!
It's best to assume that no matter the training, gunshots carry the possibility of a spook from your horse. Use the one-rein stop to handle the unexpected.
Riding Camps:
Riding at Endless Valley Stables, Spring Green, Wisconsin
By Ateeq khan.
- asad khan
Yes, this is the 21st century, and women are liberated. But if you’re a product of the 1950s/1960s and find yourself single after years of married life, the idea of taking off for the unknown with your horse and rig might be a bit intimidating. But you can do it — I’m proof!
First Forays
Our first expedition must’ve been hilarious to bystanders. My neighbor, Cassandra, and I pooled our money and purchased a used horse trailer. Her horse was a confirmed “stay at home” individual, so the loading process was almost longer than our actual riding time. We chose a state park near our homes that offered easy horse trails and overnight camping.
Our first expedition must’ve been hilarious to bystanders. My neighbor, Cassandra, and I pooled our money and purchased a used horse trailer. Her horse was a confirmed “stay at home” individual, so the loading process was almost longer than our actual riding time. We chose a state park near our homes that offered easy horse trails and overnight camping.
On the 30-mile trip to the park, Cassandra’s decided to remove the trailer’s partition and sort of squash my little mare. No problem — we whipped into a parking lot, unloaded the horses, straightened the partition, and were on our way.
As two single women, we were certain that we’d be murdered in the middle of the night, so I took along my empty rifle case and hung it prominently outside the trailer.
Beds? We just crawled into the truck’s box. About midnight, when the temperature fell to 28 degrees, we crept to the trailer, snagged the saddle blankets, then retreated back to the truck to freeze until daylight. Later, we wondered why we didn’t just get in the cab, start the engine, and turn on the heater.It was very late October. The trees along the park’s meandering trails were brilliant shades of yellow and red; fallen leaves made the ground resemble a beautiful Persian carpet. Ice in the water buckets confirmed that it was downright chilly.
But we had a ball. We were hooked. We could load up the horses and travel!
Our second adventure was better organized. We headed to Wyatt’s Ugly Horse Ranch in Palmyra, Wisconsin, adjacent to the 20,000-acre Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest. We arrived and thrived — two days of fantastic riding on easy, well-marked trails.
On a Roll
We were on a roll. On our day rides, we acquired Betty, a motorcycle mama whose true passion is trail riding on her trusty gaited mare. Luck brought us all to Endless Valley Stables near Spring Green, Wisconsin.
We were on a roll. On our day rides, we acquired Betty, a motorcycle mama whose true passion is trail riding on her trusty gaited mare. Luck brought us all to Endless Valley Stables near Spring Green, Wisconsin.
This is a well-managed stable with miles of trails — and real beds to sleep in! It offers camping (hot showers are available), farmhouse/lodge/bunkhouse rentals, and superb horse amenities.
The area’s rolling, wooded hills, small creeks, and serene valleys offer easy trails. Color-coded trail maps with corresponding trail markers make getting lost impossible — even for me!
Just a couple miles away is Governor Dodge State Park, which has miles of well-marked equestrian trails.
Red Rock Ride
And the best is yet to come. After reading an advertisement in The Trail Rider, we’re heading for Utah and Arizona for the six-day Red Rock Ride though Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Escalante Staircase, Paria Canyon, Butch Cassidy’s Hideout, and the Grand Canyon.
Pretty good for three old women from the flatlands of Illinois!
And the best is yet to come. After reading an advertisement in The Trail Rider, we’re heading for Utah and Arizona for the six-day Red Rock Ride though Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Escalante Staircase, Paria Canyon, Butch Cassidy’s Hideout, and the Grand Canyon.
Pretty good for three old women from the flatlands of Illinois!
Ranches:
Ride the Sagebrush at Horseworks, Wyoming
By khan,
Have you ever dreamed of living on a Wyoming horse ranch where you can stand on the front porch and see forever? Does an authentic, working horse/cattle ranch experience, complete with chores and responsibilities, interest you?
How about starting young colts? What about riding? Lots of riding! Endless opportunities to ride over 66,000 acres, ranging from sagebrush flats, grassy slopes, to magnificent sculptured rims and ridges.
Would you like to help with cattle drives? Branding? Vaccinating?
Then you'll want to head to Horseworks Wyoming, owned by Nate and MaeCile Brown. Their ranch is located in Grass Creek, between Thermopolis and Cody. This area is on the Absaroka Front, a prong of the Rocky Mountains
Rustic Ranch
At Horseworks Wyoming, you can choose how long you'll stay, from one day to three weeks. This isn't a fancy dude ranch. No hot tub, maid service, or gourmet meals! It's a rustic, simple, sagebrush-y cattle ranch, modestly priced and affordable to the general public. Included in your stay are delicious meals, cabin accommodations, and a great selection of mounts.
At Horseworks Wyoming, you can choose how long you'll stay, from one day to three weeks. This isn't a fancy dude ranch. No hot tub, maid service, or gourmet meals! It's a rustic, simple, sagebrush-y cattle ranch, modestly priced and affordable to the general public. Included in your stay are delicious meals, cabin accommodations, and a great selection of mounts.
There are no staged ranch events, just honest ranch work and activities. Some days are long and hot; others, relaxing and laid back. Selected weeks are oriented toward clinics, cattle drives, all-men's/all-women's groups, families, and youths.
As a guest, the schedule is flexible. At any time, you may take a break or a day off, and with good reason. We soon discovered that we were no match for Nate, who's 86 years old. He ran circles around us! He spearheaded jobs and led the rides. He also worked colts from 5:30 to 7 a.m. Coffee cups in hands, we'd observe the last half-hour of training. We never did catch the entire morning training session.The ranch also holds horse sales. It'd be almost impossible to buy the wrong horse. Why? Because you can ride the prospect at the ranch for a week or more until you're certain he's right for you. Also, you have the expertise of Nate and MaeCile, who love and know their horses. They want to sell you the best horse for your needs, riding ability, and personality.
Peacefulness is guaranteed. There's a bone-weary peace that comes after a day of hard work performed outdoors and on the back of a good horse. Muscles ache, and there's no question about a good night's sleep!
Also, there's the visual peace you feel when you watch a fiery sunset, gaze into a campfire while listening to a softly strummed guitar, and gape at a black-velvet sky ablaze with diamonds.